How to Download Apps Without Google Play (3 Methods)

The Play Store is a wonderful location for trustworthy apps. However, Google has to respect the wishes of local authorities. As a result, in some countries, you might not be able to download popular social media apps from the Play Store.

Other than that, the apps on Play Store have certain limitations. They lack many features that the modified versions of these apps offer. Plus, an application's beta versions are usually unavailable on the Play Store. Fortunately, there are some safe methods to download apps without Google Play.

13 Methods To Download Apps Without Google Play

After careful reviewing, three methods to Android install app without Play Store seem to be the most reliable.

Firstly, you can download the desired app from a third-party library. Another option is to visit the app’s official website directly or get an APK file from a trusted source. You can also choose peer-to-peer sharing to bypass the Google Store.

1Third-Party App Library

The Play Store is the recommended and official app download location for Android devices. However, it isn’t the only location. Various app libraries on the internet have an equally rich collection. So, you can visit these third-party libraries if you don’t find an app on the Play Store or it doesn’t let you download it for some reason.

Samsung Galaxy Store, Amazon App Store, and Aurora Store are examples of Play Store Alternatives. However, some libraries or certain app downloads might require fees.

MDM (mobile device management) software can be a great alternative to Play Store for those downloading apps for business. You can use the MDM to deploy apps in bulk to connected devices.

As a result, the users/employees are saved from the trouble of managing the download themselves. Plus, employees restricted from the Google Play store can use the apps, too. However, an MDM is not the best method for personal app use. Not to mention, there are costs involved.

2Sideloading APK/App Developer’s Site

Those wondering how to install Android apps without Play Store safely can consider sideloading APKs or downloading the app directly from the developer's website. APK means Android Package kit. It's a suitable file format for installing and distributing Android Apps. The user would download and install the APK file manually on their device.

APKs are often the only option for those who want to download the beta version of apps. You will also need APKs if you are trying to download a modified version of the original app with enhanced features. Sometimes, the Play Store might not host an app for your region. In that case, you can download it from the original App developer's site.

3Peer-to-Peer Sharing Apps

All tech giants collect valuable user data to some degree. A free service or app download isn’t actually free. It comes at the price of giving up your private information and allowing the service provider to track you on the internet. The same is true with Google. If you are using Apps that use Google Services, there’s no doubt you will be subject to data collection and tracking.

An effective way to avoid this is to use Peer-to-Peer Sharing apps. In this arrangement, there isn't a central server that can collect and track user data. Instead, the users can directly share apps without any intermediary. Web Real-time Communication technology makes this possible,

Some examples of P2P sharing apps include Snapdrop, ShareDrop, Resilio Sync, etc. You can share apps in an encrypted manner with these networks.

So what is the best method to install apps without Play Store among these three? Here’s a comparison table to help you decide-

2How To Download Apps Without Google Play Using MDM?

Downloading apps using an MDM service like Airdroid Business is an ideal option for business owners and employees.

Owners can ensure that all employees can use the required business apps regardless of their Play Store access. Meanwhile, employees don’t have to go through all the trouble of Google Sign up, abiding service laws, etc., to download a simple app.

Here’s how you can use MDM to download Apps without Google Play-

3How To Use Sideloading APKs To Download Apps Without Google Play?

The Play Store only hosts the standard version of an app. So, if you are looking for an advanced or older app version, Sideloading APKs is often the best option. Here's how you should proceed-

Step 1: Find reliable source

If you download APKs from a shady website, chances are high that you will install some malware on your phone. To prevent this, you have to ensure that the source you are using is trustworthy. There are two ways to do this-

Use trustworthy tools: APKMirror, APKPure, or F-Droid are some of the most reliable websites for downloading Android Packaging Kits. They also have a rich collection of all the latest apps. Even apps not from Google Play. You can visit their website or install their apps to browse and download their APK files.

Official developer’s website: Another way to prevent the installation of malicious apps is to use the original website of the app's developer. Type in the app's name with the keywords 'official website,' and it will appear on the top result. Simply visit the website and download the desired file.

Step 2: Allow Installation From Unknown Sources

The Play Store is the recommended app store for Android devices. So, as a security measure, your phone will try to prevent sideloading apps from non-play store websites. You need to change this for successful sideloading. Go to Settings/Privacy> More/Advanced Settings and enable Install Unknown Apps.

Step 3: Install the APK File

You can easily install the APK File now. Unless you decide otherwise, the APK file should be in the phone’s Download folder. Open your Android’s file manager and select the APK file from its location. Tap on the file and follow the screen prompts to complete the installation process.

4How To Use P2P Sharing App To Download App Without Google Play

Have trouble finding a trustworthy third-party library or APK source? Why not download the app from a friend who has already used and tested it on his device? That’s what Peer-to-Peer Sharing is about. Here’s how you should do it-

Step 1: Install a P2P sharing app: First, you need to install a P2P app on your and your friends' devices. Your best options include- SHAREit, Xender, and similar apps. Visit the official websites of these apps to download them free within seconds.

Step 2: Select and send the target App: The sender shall open the P2P sharing app, then Select Send, and choose App. They can browse through the list of installed apps on your devices. The sender can select a single or multiple apps and tap ‘Send’ again to share the app. Of course, this sharing process can be slightly different depending on your P2P app.

Step 3: Receive and install the app: Open the P2P app on your Android and select "Receive." The sender has to provide you with a PIN code (displayed on their device). Enter the code to successfully connect the two devices. The transfer shall begin, and you can monitor the progress on the screen. After the download completes, tap on the file and follow the on-screen prompts to install it.

5Is It Safe To Download Apps Outside Of Google Play?

If you are looking for a straight answer, then-No. It's unsafe and not recommended to download apps outside of the Play Store. Google is a reputed company, and they go to great lengths to ensure that their application store is free from malware. Therefore, Google Play is your best option when safety is the top priority.

However, certain situations might make it impossible to download apps from the Play Store. In that case, you must only download apps from trustworthy sources. Instead of suffering from a malware attack later, do your research before downloading an APK file from a source. Only use a source that is renowned and highly recommended.

6Conclusion

It’s possible to download apps without Google Play. However, you are on your own when you browse the territories outside Google. The moment you enable installation from unknown sources, you are putting the Android on a manual drive. And you must be careful while navigating these unknown routes.